African Union OKs Deployment of Burundi Peacekeeping Force

The African Union says it has authorized sending 5,000 peacekeepers to Burundi to stop deadly unrest there over President Pierre Nkurunziza's extended tenure in office from deteriorating further.

In a statement on Friday, the regional group's Peace and Security Council said an African Prevention and Protection Mission will be deployed to Burundi for at least six months. The mission can be extended.